How to sue for money owed to me that exceeds the allowable amount in small claims court?

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How to sue for money owed to me that exceeds the allowable amount in small claims court?

I rent a home to family members. They owe a substantial amount of rent (I am in the eviction process now for unpaid rent). How can I sue them for back rent and other money they have borrowed over the years? It is more than small claims court amount.

Asked on September 6, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Maine

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

If you can't sue them in small claims court, sue them in the "regular" civil division of your state or municipal court system. You would be well-advised to retain an attorney to help you--if it's more than you can sue for in small claims, it's worth an attorney; but if you don't want to that, you *can* still represent yourself. It's called being a pro se plaintiff, and while its not recommended, it is generally allowed. Below, I'm pasted a link to a Maine government website that contains alot of helpful information about the Maine court system, including some links germane to representing yourself in court; you can also ask the clerk of your local court, who at the least can provide or steer you to the correct forms. Good luck.

Here's the link: http://www.maine.gov/legis/lawlib/prose.htm


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